Complete genome sequence of Clostridium perfringens XZ-E1 isolated from yak feces in Xizang, China

Clostridium perfringens is a zoonotic pathogen widely distributed in environmental reservoirs including soil, sewage, and animal intestines. In this study, the complete XZ-E1 genome was sequenced using the PacBio RS II platform. De novo assembly was performed using Hifiasm, followed by error correction using Pilon v1.22. Comparative genomic analysis between the XZ-E1 strain and the reference strain ATCC13124 revealed distinct virulence-associated features, including the presence of strain-specific genes.

Sequence analysis indicated that the XZ-E1 strain comprised a single circular chromosome with 3,840,795 bp and six plasmids: pXZ-E1_1 (345,615 bp), pXZ-E1_2 (54,930 bp), pXZ-E1_3 (49,338 bp), pXZ-E1_4 (15,591 bp), pXZ-E1_5 (13,216 bp), and pXZ-E1_6 (12,962 bp). Genome annotation predicted 3,445 protein-coding sequences, 30 rRNA genes, and 95 tRNA genes, with 28.12% G + C (guanine + cytosine) content. The genome harbors multiple genes associated with pathogenesis and virulence factors, including genes related to antimicrobial resistance. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that XZ-E1 had a similar genome structure with strain 21-D-5.

The complete chromosomal and plasmid sequences of the XZ-E1 strain are presented in this study. XZ-E1 offers a valuable resource for identifying virulence genes involved in clostridial infections in the yak gut. The detection of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence-associated factors enhances our understanding of the pathogenesis of C. perfringens strains. The detailed genomic information provided herein supports the development of novel vaccines specific to C. perfringens infection in yaks.